Berlin

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About Berlin

A period in time captured and enveloped among strident architecture

Germany’s capital city is one the great sights of Europe where living history can be found on every corner. With galleries, opera houses and theatres all numbering in the hundreds, Berlin is a hot bed of artistic and architectural creation and provides a year-round calendar of festivals and events.

Berlin’s hotel scene reflects the cultural attractions that the city offers, with options ranging from the popular to the lesser known, yet equally rewarding. Among the notable choices are the Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof (Budapester Strasse 25) and Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm (Augsburger Strasse 41), both offering in excess of 300 rooms. Housed in a 1870s building with a rich heritage, the Myer’s Hotel Berlin (Metzer Strasse 26) is less well-known but great boutique alternative, while the four-star Quentin Design Hotel Berlin (Kalckreuthstrasse 12) exudes style with a quiet yet central location.

Berlin offers a number of hotspots when it comes to shopping opportunities, the most famous of which is the upmarket Kurfürstendamm, a boulevard known colloquially as Ku’damm. Peruse the possibilities at everything from the fashion outlets to car showrooms, with the Porsche Design Store (Kurfürstendamm 48 – 49) well worth a visit for the petrol heads out there. The colossal KaDeWe (Tauentzienstrasse 21-24) is the German capital’s most notable department store, and in respect of overall size is second only to Harrods. In addition to the modern offerings there’s plenty of scope for purchases of a more unique nature, with the art market at Zeughaus (Am Zeughaus 1) and weekend antique market at Strasse des 17 Juni, both highly recommended.

Berlin is a culturally diverse city with a host of ethnic communities, which is reflected in the cuisine on offer. Standing beside the beloved currywurst are plenty of Turkish, Vietnamese and Arabic options, while the kebab is considered to be somewhat a work of art. For something a little more high end try the Regent Berlin Hotels Fischers Fritz (Charlottenstrasse 49) for its superb seafood, ranked as one of the city’s finest restaurants, while the Lutter & Wegner (Charlottenstrasse 56) establishment is to be found nearby, and is notable for its traditional German and European offerings.

Berlinale International Film Festival

February

This is one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, with ticket sales exceeding 300,000 each year for the showing of some 400 different films.

Carnival of Cultures

May

Enjoy the music, dance, food and street parties that make up the Carnival of Cultures, celebrating the diversity of modern Berlin’s cultural make up. Expect impressive floats and costumes galore, as the spectacular parade makes its way through the city’s streets.

Berlin Marathon

September

One of Europe’s most popular marathons, the event in Berlin is famed for its excellent atmosphere that’s generated by the hordes of spectators each year; while the participants appreciate the particularly fast course.

Festival of Lights

October

A collection of Berlin’s most historic buildings and notable landmarks are adorned with projections for 12 nights each year in October. A free attraction, the lights are typically turned on from 7pm until midnight, while guided tours are available of the festival’s highlights.

BerMuDa

November

This renowned event stretches over four days and celebrates the iconic status of Berlin’s electronic music scene. BerMuDa is an abbreviation of Berlin Music Days, and is a huge draw for DJs, musicians, and revellers the world over.